Graduate Application Timeline

Summer Before Applying

Browse through graduate school guides. After selecting schools which you are interested in, request bulletins, brochures, financial aid forms, and applications.

Carefully read through all materials and make note of deadlines.

Start the first draft of your personal statement.

September

Contact professors or employers and let them know of your plans to apply to graduate school. Request a letter of recommendation and provide them with a resume outlining all your current activities, work experiences and accomplishments. In addition, do not forget to give recommenders any special reference forms provided by the university. Thoroughly discuss how forms/letters should be sent when they are complete.

Request official transcripts from all previous undergraduate institutions attended. Keep in mind that some schools request multiple copies so make sure to order enough transcripts.